Investigating the role of specific microRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells.

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial roles in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In recent years, there has been growing interest in understanding the role of specific miRNAs in cancer development and progression. This thesis investigates the role of specific miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, with a focus on their potential as therapeutic targets. The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of miRNAs, their biogenesis, and mechanisms of action. The background of the study delves into the current understanding of miRNA dysregulation in cancer and its implications for tumorigenesis. The problem statement highlights the need for further research into the specific miRNAs involved in cancer and their functional effects on gene expression. The objectives of the study are to identify key miRNAs associated with cancer development, elucidate their target genes, and investigate their regulatory mechanisms. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including challenges in miRNA target prediction and experimental validation. The scope of the study encompasses in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize the functions of selected miRNAs in cancer cells. The significance of the study lies in its potential to uncover novel molecular targets for cancer therapy and provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer progression. The structure of the thesis outlines the organization of the research work, from the literature review to the research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The literature review critically evaluates existing studies on miRNAs in cancer, highlighting key miRNAs implicated in various cancer types and their downstream effects on gene expression. The research methodology section describes the experimental approaches employed, including cell culture techniques, miRNA profiling, target gene validation, and functional assays. The discussion of findings presents the results of the study, including the identification of specific miRNAs dysregulated in cancer cells, their target genes, and the impact of miRNA modulation on cellular behavior. The implications of these findings for cancer therapy and personalized medicine are discussed in detail. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the role of specific miRNAs in regulating gene expression in cancer cells, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis. The summary highlights the key findings of the study and proposes future directions for research in this field. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between miRNAs and gene expression in cancer, offering new possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions.